March 28, 2024

From bras to shoes and everything in between

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Is it just us or is everything about collaborations now? adidas x IVY PARK, The Bay X Toronto Raptors Apparel, Canada Goose and NBA and The North Face X Gucci are just a few of the recently launched popular collabs that bring together the styles, technologies and histories of two brands. Even cereal brands are getting in on the fashion game, like this new collection from Quaker Oats

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We also noticed and appreciate other trends in fashion, like sustainability, representation and innovation. Stiff and small-sized fast fashion is (hopefully) being replaced with comfy and body-inclusive environmentally-friendly fashion. 

When it comes to new fashion and product launches, we unapologetically play favourites, highlighting brands and collections that support sustainability and inclusivity, but also Canadian companies and products we can personally use. These are some of our favourite recent fashion launches:

New Balance

Uni-ssentials French Terry Sweatpant
Uni-ssentials French Terry Sweatpant Photo by New Balance

New Balance just introduced its uni-ssentials collections, which are comprised of contemporary basics that redefine sizing and are gender-free and environmentally friendly. Instead of size small to extra large, the collection comes in size blocks that are based on body shape. Also, most of the collection is marked with a little green leaf. This means that 50 per cent or more of the materials used to make that product are environmentally preferred.  

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Check out the full collection: newbalance.ca

Quaker Oats

The Long Sleeve
The Long Sleeve Photo by QUAKERborough

Quaker Oats has been producing one of Canada’s favourite grains in Peterborough, Ontario, for 120 years. Since 1902, Quaker has been milling our oats at 34 Hunter St. W., in Peterborough, which is about a 1.5-hour drive east northeast of Toronto. To celebrate, Quaker Oats has spearheaded the ultimate collaboration to make the fashion collection called QUAKERborough. The art on some of the products are designed by Peterborough artist Jason Wilkins. And 100 per cent of the proceeds from this collection will be donated to Food Banks Canada.

Check out the full collection: quakerborough.ca

Amazon

Amazon Aware Womens Women's Pointelle Crew Neck Sweater
Amazon Aware Women’s Pointelle Crew Neck Sweater Photo by Amazon

Amazon is joining the eco-train with its first private brand line of consciously created products. Called Amazon Aware, the collection features products across the apparel and home categories. The bedding and bath collection is made with certified organic cotton and is certified Made in Green by OEKO-TEX

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The certification verifies that products have been manufactured using reduced environmental impact processes and under socially responsible working conditions. The apparel line is made from recycled materials and holds third-party certifications like Organic Content Standard 100, Global Recycle Standard and HIGG Index Materials Seal

Check out the full collection: Amazon Aware

Victoria’s Secret

Smooth Straight-Neck Lounge Bra
Smooth Straight-Neck Lounge Bra Photo by Victoria’s Secret

The new Love Cloud Collection is designed for many types and sizes of bodies and for comfort. Hopefully gone are the days when we can’t wait to race home to take off our bra (and not just because many of us work from home now). The collection is all about garments that are comfy and look sleek. And the lace bras don’t show through t-shirts.

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Check out the full collection: victoriassecret.com

Parachute

The Organic Cotton Collection
The Organic Cotton Collection Photo by Parachute

Parachute recently launched its first-ever organic collection. Though most of the products are within the home category, the collection also features comfy-looking pants and tees. We think Parachute’s secret mission is to make sleep and bedding too dreamy that you never want to get out of bed. Parachute v. alarm clock v. mornings.

Check out the full collection: parachute.com

Native Shoes

Jefferson Bloom
Jefferson Bloom Photo by Native Shoes

Native Shoes was founded in Vancouver, B.C., in 2009. The company is committed to “Living Lightly,” both environmentally and physically. The shoes are made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), meaning they are lightweight, have shock-absorbent properties, are hand washable and odour resistant. They have spring written all over them, thankfully, not literally.

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Check out the new collection: nativeshoes.com

Allbirds

Women's Tree Dasher 2
Women’s Tree Dasher 2 Photo by Allbirds

We love Allbirds because they are radicalizing responsible manufacturing. Many of its garments have the carbon dioxide emissions number printed visibly. For example, the R&R Sweatpant has a 19.4 carbon footprint, and that number is written on the leg. Allbirds just launched the new and improved Tree Dasher 2, a running shoe that is light, grippy and made from eucalyptus tree fibre.

Check out the new shoe: allbirds.ca

Shopping Essentials is a new category that features highly researched products, new and exciting launches or behind-the-scenes info — learn more.

rmann@postmedia.com

instagram.com/randimann

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